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Arcs V-sn^i 

Copyright^ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



JOTTINGS OF LOUISIANA 



ILLUSTRATED HISTORICAL SKETCH 

OF THE 

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS LANDMARKS 

OF 

NEW ORLEANS, 
And the Only Remaining Buildings of Colonial Days. 



"They do not only form part of the History of the 
United States, but also of France and Spain." 



BY 

WILLIS J. ROUSSEL 

New Orleans, La. 

(Copyrighted January 3rd, 1905.; 



Price, 50 Cents. 
1905. 



Mkndola Bros. Publishers, 
new orleans, la. 






LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
fwo Copies Received 

FEB 24 1905 

, Qopyrigm tmry 
iUiSS CX* XXc. NO! 
COPY B. 



POETICAL JOTTINGS OF THE HISTORY OF LOUISIANA. 

— f-f — 
BY CHARLES UAYARPE 



The following quotations are taken from the History of Louisiana 
by Charles Gayarre, the eminent writer and historian, and will 
no doubt prove to be a very appropriate preface to this work, as 
it will admit a basis of comparison for "Louisiana as it is to-day." 

After a masterly and graceful preliminary the learned historian 
said : 

"I am willing to apply that criterion to Louisiana, considered 
both physically and historically; I am willing that my native 
State, which is but a fragrant of what Louisiana formerly was, 
should stand and fall by that test, and do not fear to approach 
with her the seat of judgment. I am prepared to show that her 
history is full of poetry of the highest order, and of the most varied 
nature. I have studied the subject "con amore," and with such 
reverential enthusiasm, and I may say with such filial piety, that 
it has grown upon my heart as well as upon my mind. To support 
the assertion that the history of Louisiana is eminently poetical, 
it will be sufficient to give you short graphical descriptions of those 
interesting events which constitute the annals. Bright gems 
they are, enriching her brow, diadem-like, and worthy of that star 
which has sprung from her forehead to enrich the American con- 
stellation in the firmament of Liberty." 

HERNANDO De SOTO. 

"On the 31st. of May, 1539, the Bay of Santa Spiritu, presented 
a curious spectacle. Eleven vessels of quaint shape bearing the 
broad banner of Spain, were moored close to the shore; one 
thousand men of infantry and three hundred and fifty men of 
cavalry, fully equipped, were landing in proud array under the 
command of Hernando De Soto, one of the most illustrious 
companions of Pizarro in the conquest of Peru, and reported one 
of the best lancers of Spain." 

"Among his followers are gentlemen of the best blood of Spain 
and of Portugal." 

"Now he is encamped in the territory of the Chickesaws, the 
most ferocious of the Indian tribes. And lucky was it that De 
Soto was as prudent as he was brave, and slept equally prepared 
for the defence and for the attack. Hark! in the dead of a 



Winter's night, when the cold wind of the North, in the month of 
January, 1541, was howling through the leafless trees, a simul- 
taneous howl was heard, more hideous far than the voice of the 
tempest. The Indians rushed impetuously with firebrands, and 
the thatched roofs which sheltered the Spaniards are soon on fire, 
threatening them with immediate destruction. The horses rear- 
ing and plunging in wild affright, and breaking loose their liga- 
ments, the undaunted Spaniards, half naked, struggling against 
the devouring element and the unsparing foe; the deep-toned 
shouts of "St. Jago and Spain" to the rescue; the demon-like 
shrieks of the red warriors; the final overthrow of the Indians, 
the hot pursuit by the light of the flaming village, form a picture 
highly exciting to the imagination; and cold, indeed, must be he 
who does not take delight in the strange contrast of the heroic 
warfare of chivalry on one side, and of the untutored courage of 
man in his savage state on the other." 

"It would be too long to follow DeSoto in his peregrinations 
during two years through part of Alabama, Mississippi and 
Tennessee. At last he stands on the banks of the Mississippi, 
near the spot where now flourishes the Egyptian named city of 
Memphis. He crosses the mighty river, and onward he goes, up 
to the White River, while roaming over the territory of Arkansas. 
Meeting with alternate hospitality and hostility on the part of the 
Indians, he arrives at the mouth of Red River, within the present 
limits of the State of Louisiana. There he was fated to close his 
adventurous career." 

FATHER MARQUETTE AND JOLIET. 

"One hundred and thirty years had passed away since the 
apparition of DeSoto on the soil of Louisiana,without any further 
attempt of the white race to penetrate into the fair region, when, 
on the 7th. of July, 1673, a small band of Europeans and Canadians 
reached the Mississippi, which they had come to seek from the 
distant city of Quebec. That band had two leaders, Father 
Marquette, a monk, and Joliet, a merchant, the prototype of two 
great sources of power, religion and commerce, which, in the course 
of time, were destined to exercise such influence on the civilization 
of the Western territory, traversed by the mighty river which 
they had discovered. That humble monkish gown of Father 
Marquette concealed a hero's heart, and in the merchant's breast 
there dwelt a soul that would have disgraced no belted knight. 

ROBERT CAVALIER De La SALLE. 

"Seven years since the expedition of Marquette and Joliet had 
rolled by when Robert Cavalier de La Salle, in the month of 



January, 1682, feasted his eyes with the far famed Mississippi. 
For his companions he had forty soldiers three monks, and the 
Chevalier de Tonti." 

"Brought into contact with Count Fontenac, who was the 
Governor of Canada, he communicated to him his views and 
projects for the aggrandizement of France, and suggested to him 
the gigantic plan of connecting the St. Lawrence with the Missis- 
sipppi by an uninterrupted chain of Forts." 

"On the 15th of September, 1678, proud and erect with the 
consciousness of success, La Salle stood again in the walls of 
Quebec, and stimulated by the cheers of the whole population, 
he immediately entered into the execution of his projects. Four 
years after, 1682, he was at the mouth of the Mississippi, and in 
the name, (as appears by a Notarial Act still extant) of the 'most 
puissant, most high, most invincible and victorious Prince, Louis 
the Great, King of France, took possession of all the country 
which he had discovered." 

"To relate all of the heart thrilling adventures which occurred 
to La Salle during the four years which elapsed between the 
opening and conclusion of that expedition, would be to go beyond 
the limits which are allotted to me. Suffice it to say, that at this 
day, to overcome the one-hundredth part of the difficulties which 
he had to encounter, would immortalize a man." 
IBERVILLE AND BIENVILLE. 

"A few years after the death of La Salle, which occurred m 
1687, by the hands of brutal companions, within the limits of 
Texas, a French Ship of 42 guns, the Pelican, commanded by 
Iberville, after sinking an English vessel of 52 guns in a naval 
battle, on the coast of New England, and whipping two other 
vessels of 42 guns each in the same fight, in the beginning of March, 
1699, entered the Mississippi, accompanied by his brother, Bien- 
ville, and Father Anastase, the former companion of La Salle 
in his expedition down the river in 1682." 

"In 1703 war had broken out between Great Britain, France 
and Spain, and Iberville, a distinguished officer of the French 
Navy, was engaged in expeditions that kept him away from the 
colony. It did not cease, however, to occupy his thoughts, and 
had become clothed, in his eye, with a sort of family interest. 
Louisiana was then left for some time to her scanty resources; 
but, weak as she was, she gave early proofs of that generous spirit 
which has since animated her." 



"Iberville sent his brother, Chateague to the colony, accompanied 
by seventeen persons, as immigrants to the new colony." 

"The excitement of this new arrival had hardly subsided when 
it was revived by the appearance of another ship, and it became 
intense when the inhabitants saw a procession of twenty females, 
with veiled faces, proceeding arm in arm, and two by two, to the 
house of the governor, who received them in State and provided 
them with suitable lodgings. But the next morning, which was 
Sunday, the mystery was cleared up by the officiating piiest read- 
ing from the pulpit of the mass the following communication from 
the Minister Bienville: 

"His Majesty sends twenty girls, to be married to the Canadians, 
and to the other inhabitants of Mobile, in order to consolidate the 
colony. All these girls are industrious, and have received a pious 
and virtuous education. Beneficial results to the colony are ex- 
pected from their teaching their useful attainments to the Indian 
females. In order that none be sent except those of known 
virtue and unspotted reputation, His Majesty did intrust the 
Bishop of Quebec with the mission of taking those girls from such 
establishments, as from their very nature and character, would 
put them above all suspicions of corruption. You will take care 
to settle them in life as well as ma3^ be in your power, and to marry 
them to such men as are capable of providing them with a commo- 
dious home." 

* * * * * :■;; * # * * 

CONDENSED ITEMS OF INTEREST OF THE EARLY HISTORY. 

Sauvolle was the first Governor of Louisiana. He died in 1701, 
and was succeeded by Bienville, the second Governor. 

Iberville went to France in 1701, and remained absent from 
Louisiana four years. 

Thirty-five colonists died of starvation in 1705. 

In 1706, the French girls brought to the colony were indignant 
at being fed on corn bread, and threatened to leave the colony 
on the first opportunity. This is called the "petticoat insurrec- 
tion." 

The three most important personages in the Commonwealth of 
Louisiana at that time were Bienville, the governor, who wielded 
the sword, and was the great executive mover of all; La Salle, the 
intendant commissary of the crown, who had, therefore, might be 
called the controlling power; and the Curate de la Vente, who 
was not satisfied with mere spiritual influence. The commissary 
in a letter of the 7th o p December, 1706, accused Iberville, Bien- 
ville and Chateague, the three brothers, of being guilty of every 
sort of malfeasances and delapidations. The curate backed La 
Salle. 

G 



After an existance of nine years; the population of the colony 
did not exceed 279 persons. Its principal wealth consisted in 
50 cows, 40 calves, 4 bulls, 8 oxen, 1400 hogs and 200 hens. 

In 1709 famine re-appeared in the colony, and the inhabitants 
were reduced to live on acorns. 

The scarcity of provisions had become such, that in 1710, 
Bienville informed his government that he had scattered the 
greatest part of his men among the Indians, upon whom he had 
quartered them for food. 

"In 1712, Anthony Crozat obtained from the King of France the 
exclusive privilege, for fifteen years, of trading in all that immense 
territory which, with its undefined limits, France claimed as her 
own under the name of Louisiana. The charter of concessions 
virtually made Crozat the Supreme Lord and Master of Louisiana. 

In 1713 Cadillac is made governor of Louisiana. 

The famous banking company of the Indies, with John Law 
at its head, was started in 1717. John Law was born in Edin- 
burgh, Scotland, in 1671. 

Bienville was appointed governor of Louisiana, the second time, 
in 1718, and founded the city of New Orleans, the same year. 

In 1724 the white population of New Orleans amounted to 1700 
souls, and the black population to 3300. In New Orleans, there 
were about 1000 souls including troops, and the persons employed 
by the government. 

In the beginning of 1727, the spot where now stands New 
Orleans, not being protected by a levee, was subject to annual 
inundation, and presented no better aspect than that of a vast 
sink or sewer. 

Mosquitoes buzzed, and enormous frogs croaked incessantly in 
concert with other indescribable sounds; tall reeds, and grass 
of every variety grew in the street, and in the yards, so as to 
interrupt communication, and offered a safe retreat, and places 
of concealment to venomous reptiles, wild beasts, and malefactors, 
who, protected by these impenetrable jungles, committed with 
impunity all sorts of evil deeds. 

In 1729 the French at Natchez were massacred by the Indians. 
The Indians captured and spared about 300 women and children 
whom they intended to make slaves of. 

In 1733 the French Colony in Louisiana was scourged by small 
pox and famine. A companion of Bienville wrote: "Our planters 
and mechanics are dying of hunger. The colony is on the eve of 
being, depopulated. The colony is in such a state of indigence 
that, last year, the people were obliged, for more than three 
months, to live on the seeds and grains of reeds." 



On the 15th. of April, 1735, Bienville wrote on the state of the 
colony: 

"One hundred thousand pounds of tobacco are made at Pointe 
Coupee; two women raise silk worms for amusement and succeed 
very well ; eggs should be sent by the government to the Ursulines, 
who would teach this industry to the orphans whose education 
is entrusted to them. The cultivation of cotton is advantageous, 
but the planters experience great difficulty in cleaning it from 
the seeds. Pitch and tar are made in some abundance." 

In 1736 the colony turned its attention to the cultivation of 
indigo. But little was made from silk through ignorance of the 
business. - 

The Balize Pass, in 1728, had sixteen feet and a half, and which 
Bienville represents as filling up rapidly, is known in our days as 
Southeast Pass. 

The Marquis de Vauclreuil was appointed governor of Louisiana 
in place of Bienville, in 1743. 

De Vaudreuil, in 1744, commanded the planters to have their 
levee made under penalty of forfeiting their lands to the crown. 

The Marquis de Vaudreuil marked the beginning of his admin- 
istration by following the old and nefarious custom of granting 
monopolies. 

In 1744 the white population of New Orleans was 800 souls, 
not including 500 soldiers, and the women and children. A few 
^f the houses were brick, and the greater portion were wooden 
buildings, or were bricked up between posts. There were 25 
inhabitants whose property were worth from one hundred thous- 
and to three hundred thousand livres. Almost all the colonists 
were married. The most considerable one of them was Mr. 
Dubreuil, who owned 500 negroes, several plantations, brick- 
kilns and silk factories. At the German coast, there were 100 
white inhabitants, and 200 negroes. Occupations, gardening and 
grazing. Pointe Coupee, 200 whites and 400 negroes. Occupa- 
tion, the cultivation of tobacco and the raising of provisions. 
Natchitoches, 60 whites and 200 blacks. Productions, cattle, rice, 
corn and tobacco. 

The available force for defending Louisiana in 1746 was 400 
white men, 500 to 600 Indians, and from 200 to 300 negroes. 

A terrible hurricane in 1746, like that of 1740, destroyed the 
crops of the colony, and would have reduced the inhabitants 
nearly to starvation had it not been for the boats from Illinois 
that annually supplied them with Flour. 



In 1751 the Jesuits sent some sugar-canes from Hispaniola to 
the Jesuits of Louisiana, and some negroes who were used to the 
cultivation of this plant. The experiment was abortive, and 
though cane continued to be cultivated successfully, it was only 
in 1795 that the manufacture of sugar was successful. 

On board the same ships which brought the first sugar-cane, 
sixty girls were transported to Louisiana at the expense of the 
King. The girls were married to such soldiers as had distinguished 
themselves for good conduct, and who, in consideration of their 
marriage, were discharged from service. Such is the humble 
origin of many of our most respectable and wealthy families. 

On the 23rd. of September, 1752, the Intendant Commissary, 
Michael de la Roubillere, made a favorable report on the state 
of agriculture in Louisiana. "The Cultivation of the wax-tree," 
says he, "has succeeded admirably. Mr. Dubreuil alone has made 
six thousand pounds of wax. Some went to the seashore where 
the wax tree grows wild, in order to use it in its natural state. 
It is the only luminary used here by the inhabitants, and it is 
exported to other parts of America, and to France. In the last 
three years forty five brick houses were erected in New Orleans 
and several fine new plantations were established." 

In 1753 Kerlerec took possession of the government of Louisiana. 

In 1755 the Acadian settlement at Grand Pre, Nova Scotia, was 
broken up by the English, under command of General Winslow, 
and the inhabitants, 1923 persons were taken prisoners, and most 
of them transported to different states. Their houses and barns 
were burned by the English, and their property confiscated to 
the crown. 

On the 3rd. of November, 1762, Louisiana was ceded to Spain. 

In 1765, there was a considerable immigration to Louisiana 
from the Alabamons and Illinois districts, which had been ceded 
to the English, and from the province of Acadia and Nova Scotia. 
About 650 Acadians arrived at New Orleans, and they were 
sent to form settlements in Attakapas and Opelousas, under the 
command of Andry. 

Ulloa, the new Spanish Governor, arrived in New Orleans on the 
5th. of March, 1766, and in February of the same year 216 Aca- 
dians arrived. 

Ulloa at once ordered the census of the whole population of 
Louisiana to be taken, and the result was found to be: 1,893 men 
able to carry arms; 1,944 women, married or unmarried; 1,240 
female children; 1,375 male children; total 6,452. The blacks 
were about as numerous as the whites. But the population was 
somewhat reduced by an epidemic closely resembling yellow fever. 

9 



A conspiracy was formed against the Spanish Government of 
Louisiana in 1768 and a general insurrection followed. 

O'Reilly's administration under Spanish domination, continued 
one year to 1769. Unzaga's administration from 1770 to 1776; 
Galvez's 1777 to 1784; Miro's 1785 to 1789; Carondelet's, 1789 to 
1792; Gayoso's, 1793 to 1797; Casacalvo's, 1798 to 1799, Salcedo's, 
1801 to 1803. 

A century has now glided over the ocean of time, since Louisiana 
was transferred to the United States, and the American flag was 
first unfurled before the large assembly of people which had 
congregated at the Place D'Armes, (Jackson Square) on the 20th. 
of December, 1803. 

The Treaty with France was consummated by Robert R. 
Livingston and James Monroe, representing the United States, 
upon the 30th. of April, 1803, when the entire Louisiana possessions 
became the propertv of the United States, for the modest sum of 
$15,000,000.00. 






10 



THE ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL. 

Named in honor of Louis XIV, King of France. A brick and 
adobe structure was erected upon the space of ground reserved 
by Jean Baptiste Lemoyne cle Bienville, the founder of New 
Orleans and governor of the French Colony, for the erection of a 
Roman Catholic Church of which in 1721 there remained but a 
shed — in 1723, a wooden church, which was replaced by a brick 
structure, in 1725 — in 1793 a handsome Cathedral was built 
which still remains up to the present day. The latter edifice was 
the gift of the great philanthropist, Don Andres Almonaster y 
Roxas. 

This brief statement covers a period of over 75 years and illus- 
trates the several periods of construction, destruction and recon- 
struction of the Roman Catholic Church, now known as the St. 
Louis Cathedral, which has been a silent witness of countless 
calamities, ages of famines, pestilence, fire and flood experienced 
by the colonists until the present clay. Ami its chimes nestling 
in the lofty steeples of brick and stucco, have never ceased to sing 
out in sweet metallic tones the victories gained by the christian 
colonists of the old colonial days. 

The site where stands the present edifice was consecrated to the 
service of God nearly two centuries ago. Upon this space 
numerous churches have succeeded one another. The first struc- 
ture was in 1723 destroyed by a hurricane, the second was entirely 
consumed by a conflagration in 1788 which almost completely 
devastated the city. This entire edifice was destroyed with 
numerous valuable records. The last structure which is the St. 
Louis Cathedral of to-day was begun in 1702 and complete! 1 in 
1794. 

How much historical importance can be attached to this solemn 
edifice which has witnessed the lapse of ages since its construction, 
up to the present time, the reader can naturally conceive. 

Don Andres Almonaster y Roxas who was the founder of the 
St. Louis Cathedral, which he had erected at his own expense, 
was an Andalusian of noble birth, who came to Louisiana when it 
was under the Spanish Rule. He filled many important public 
positions. He succeeded by judicious ventures in amassing a 
very large fortune, of which he made very liberal use; for besides 
the St. Louis Cathedral he also caused the erection of a Charity 
Hospital then located in Rampart Avenue, and the buildings on 
each side of the Cathedral, one being known as the Cabildo, 
now the Supreme Court of Louisiana, and the other the Presbytery 
of the Cathedral, now the Civil District Courts. He also had 
constructed the Chapel of Lazarists and the Ursulines Convent. 

11 



Don Almonaster y Roxas was married in 1787 to Miss Louise 
de Laronde, daughter of Pierre Denis Delaronde, from which 
union was born on the 6th. , of November, 1795 an only child, 
Micaela Leonarda Antonia, who married Joseph Xavier Celestin 
Delfau de Pontalba, in 1811, and she became the Baroness de 
Pontalba. 

This notable event which took place at the St. Louis Cathedral 
was attended by the most distinguished personages of the Colony. 
Col. Bernard Marigny de Mandeville stood sponsor for the bride, 
and Chevalier de Macarty; Lasalle de St. Avid, Ignacio Delmo de 
Chalmet, and Mme. De Verges St. Laurent, signed the marriage 
records as witnesses. 

This union recalls a bit of romantic history in which a young 
Scotch-Irish youth was made to feel the humble origin of his 
birth. 

John McDonogh, whose memory is revered by every Orleanian, 
had not like the lovely Micaela Almonaster inherited a title of 
nobility from his ancestors, nevertheless, he loved and wooed this 
charming maiden. He was a gentleman of wealth and nobility 
of character with a grandeur of heart, and justly felt that this was 
sufficient to deserve the hand of the daughter of the proud Don 
Almonaster. He sought the privilege to ask her hand in marriage 
from her father, but the proud old Spanish nobleman indignantly 
rejected the suit, exclaiming: "That a daughter of his noble race 
would never be allied to a poor plebian tradesman." 

McDonogh was stung to the heart with grief and mortification, 
and swore, "he would labor until he would accumulate more wealth 
than all the Almonast ers put together ; and his name would live to 
posterity when their proud titles would be cast into oblivion." 

John McDonogh was of Scotch-Irish birth, and a native of 
Baltimore. He was well educated. And in 1800 he came to 
New Orleans where he engaged in commercial pursuits. At the 
time of his sentimental aspirations he was a gay young man, and 
a favorite in social circles. He lived at the corner of Chartres and 
Toulouse streets, where he was surrounded by luxuries, and 
attended by a retinue of slaves. After the failure of his suit to. 
wed the lovely Micaela, he at once determined to change his mode 
of living and habits. In his anger he sold the contents of his 
magnificent residence, and moved to a small house on his planta- 
tion in McDonoghville on the opposite side of the river, where 
for half a century he led the life of a measley, coldheartecl miser, 
whose only ambition in life was the amassing of large wealth. 
Wherever he passed he was pointed out as an old miser. He died 
in 1850, leaving his entire fortune to be divided share and share 
alike, between the cities of New Orleans and Baltimore. This 

12 



princely legacy which has been exclusively devoted to the building 
and repair of public schools, amounts now, with accumulated 
interests, to a fund of over a million dollars. 

As to his prophecy it certainly fulfilled his fondest wishes. 
Over thirty school buildings constructed from this fund are scat- 
tered in almost every district of the city, and all bear the simple 
inscription of his name "McDonogh." 

No condition was attached to the legacy, except that the little 
children of the public schools should come once a year and strew 
his grave with flowers. However, his remains have been removed 
to his native city, Baltimore, according to his desire; but "Mc- 
Donogh Day" has been sacredly kept throughout all the public 
schools, where the children annually participate in memorial 
exercises in his honor, while the handsome statue erected in the 
park, opposite the City Hall, from the mite contributions of the 
school children, as well as the various bust statues of the great 
philanthropist, to be found in every public school are decorated 
with handsome floral offerings. 

Don Almonaster's titles of nobility and name have vanished, 
but the virtues and name of "McDonogh," will live forever. 

Don Andres Almonaster y Roxas died in New Orleans, on the 
26., of April. 1798, at the age of 73 years. He was interred within 
a crypt, to the right of the Cathedral, directly in front of the altar 
of St. Anthony. Over his last resting place appears an imposing 
marble slab upon which is inscribed his Coat of Arms, and in 
Spanish the record of his life, titles and services, which translated 
reads as follows: 

HERE LIE THE REMAINS 

of 

DON ANDRES ALMONASTER y ROXAS, 

A Native of Marena, 

In the Kingdom of Andalusia. 

He Died in the City of New Orleans. 

On the 26th. day of April, 1798. 

Being 73 years of age. 

A Knight of the Royal and Distinguished Order of Carlos III. 

Colonel of the Militia of this Department. 
Alderman and Royal Lieutenant of this Corporation. 

Founder and Donor of this Holy Cathedral. 
Founder of the Royal Hospital of St. Charles and of its Church. 

Founder of the Hospital for Lepers. 
Founder of the School for the Education of Girls. 

Founder of the Court House. 
All of which he had built at his own expense in this City. 
Requiescat in Pace. 
13 



To the left side of the church are also buried under the marble 
floor before the altar of "Lady of Lourdes," three illustrious 
Knights of the old regime. 

Upon the marble slab covering their remains is inscribed in 
French the following epitaphs which translated reads: 

FRANCOIS PHILIPPE de MARIGNY de MANDEVILLE, 

A Knight of the Royal and Military Order of St. Louis, and Port 

Commandant of New Orleans, Born at Bayeux in 

Normandy, died in this City, Nov. 1, 1728. 

ANTOINE PHILIPPE de MARIGNY de MANDEVILLE, 

A Knight of the Royal and Military Order of St. Louis, and 

Captain of Infantry in the service of France. Born in 

Mobile, February 28th., 1752, died in New 

Orleans, November 6, 1779. 



PIERRE PHILIPPE de MARIGNY de MANDEVILLE, 

A Knight of the Royal and Military Order of St. Louis, Captain 
of Infantry under the Spanish Government. Born 
in this City on June 13, 1757, and died in 1800. 

The Marignys de Mandeville were very wealthy and influential 
during both the French and Spanish regime. 

In the center aisle, at the foot of the stairway leading to the 
main altar designated by a large cross of slate colored marble 
slabs imbeded in the flooring; also beyond the railing in the center 
of the sanctuary, at the foot of the central altar, are subterranean 
vaults in which have been buried the most deserving dignitaries 
of the Church, such as bishops, archbishops, etc. The last to be 
interred there was Reverend Archbishop Francis Jansens. He 
was buried in the vault situated in the sanctuary. 

The archives of the St. Louis Cathedral which are kept in a 
large fire-proof vault, located on the ground floor of the Rectory 
in St. Anthony Alley, also presents curios in documentary specie. 
Some of them are so old that they are crumbling with age. We 
find therein that the first marriage performed within its sacred 
walls was that of Pierre Sinton to Nicole Daulunay, which occurred 
on July 1st., 1720, and the first Christening that of Catherine 
DePerrier on January 1st. 1731. 

The interior of the St. Lcuis Cathedral is ornamented with beau- 
tiful fresco paintings by the eminent artist Casanova, whose name 
has been handed down to posterity, and the artistic execution has 
caused this work to be classed as masterpieces, which with the 
flight of time have been sacredly preserved up to this present day. 

14 



Some few figures, however, were replaced by new subjects more in 
keeping with the ideas of the nineteenth century, while others 
were retouched by the artist Erasme Humbrecht, the colors 
having become faint with age. 

Among the most interesting pictures ornamenting the walls of 
this edifice is the tableau just above the central altar, representing 
'"St. Louis announcing the Crusade." 

Over the center of the main aisle is "St. Peter receiving the 
Shepherd's Staff from Our Lord." 

There are four medallions in which are painted the Evangelists, 
St. John, St. Mark, St. Luke and St. Matthew, while between 
each of the twelve arches are one of the Apostles, 

Over the choir appears the "Archangel Michael," while at the 
other extremity is pictured "The Holy Family." Over the sanc- 
tuary is pictured "The Sacrifice of the Divine Lamb." While 
symbolic figures of the old and new testament appear in the 
arched vault. 

Another very impressive picture, is that over the altar of the 
Sacred Heart representing "The agony of Our Lord" — while over 
the altar of "Our Lady of Lourdes" situated upon the left is rep- 
resented the "Annunciation." There the Virgin and Angel Gabriel, 
are shown in the most natural manner and the expression depicted 
upon the angel's lips seem to inspire the respectful salutation 
"Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum, etc." 

The altar of "Our Lady of Lourdes is also a masterpiece of 
construction and coloring. There is found a true and life-like 
representation of the apparition of the Holy Virgin to the little 
peasant Bernadette, who is kneeling upon the rocky path in rev- 
erence and prayer, while the limpid waters from the spring which 
had spontaneously emerged from the rocks trickle down; and its 
murmurings mingle in unison with whisperings of the sinners, as 
they kneel in prayer for the salvation of their souls. 

Another very impressive tableau which confronts the visitor 
as he is about to retire is a painting of St. Cecilia, the patron 
saint of Music. She appears floating upon a canopy of clouds, and 
in her flight she is followed by angels which are scattered around 
her. This painting is situated right over the organ. 

The coloring of walls, arches and colonnades are also artistically 
matched, ami the entire work is fully deserving the highest of 
praise. 



15 



THE CABILDO. 

There is not a structure which stands to-day upon the American 
Continent from the Pacific Slope to the Alleghenies, and from the 
Atlantic Coast to the Gulf of Mexico, which offers more attraction 
to the World at large, than this edifice, variously known as "The 
Cabildo," or Capitol, or Casa Curial. 

Its majestic walls which have stood the ravages of the elements, 
during a period of more than a century appear to-day in almost 
the same garb with which it was adorned when erected, in 1794. 

It should be conceded that this illustrious structure does not 
simply belong to, our history, but to that of France and Spain, 
both nations being intimately associated in the History of the 
Louisiana Colony, for both countries have taken an active part 
in the government and development of this territory; by the 
purchase of which the United States of America gained added 
power with vast commercial and territorial expansion. 

Shifting from the subject, and gleaning from the history of the 
Louisiana Purchase, we find that the region comprised in the 
cessation by France included all the country west of the Missis- 
sippi, not occupied by Spain, as far north as British Territory, 
comprising the whole or part of the present States of Arkan- 
sas, Colorado, Dakota, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mon- 
tana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington,. 
Wyoming, Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory. 

By an Act of Congress dated March 26, 1804, the territory was 
divided into two governments, that of Orleans including the 
present State of Louisiana west of the Mississippi, and a portion 
east of that river,and that of Louisiana comprising the country 
north and west of it. 

In April, 1812, the Territory of Orleans was admitted in the 
Union under the title of the State of Louisiana, and in June, 1812 
the Territory till then known as Louisiana had its designation 
altered to Missouri. 

We also learn that from this vast extent of virgin prairies, 
swamps and woodlands west of the Mississippi arose numerous 
States and Territories, but a wilderness then of the Louisiana 
Possession, which to-day has great commercial and social impor- 
tance. Depict to yourself the marvelous achievements of our 
forefathers, who by the opening of the gates to the great Northwest 
developed this vast territory to the Pacific Slope, and added to 
the Union new riches that lay hidden within the soil of these 
virgin states. Think of the vast resources of the south and west, 
as they stand unfolded to us at this present age of progress and 
civilization. The Red Skin has almost vanished while his arrows 

16 



and tomahawks are entombed. A more genteel and civilized 
racial order, more progressive and enlightened now rules, and 
from its management new fields of commerce and industry are 
daily explored. To this purchase is due the riches of our country, 
and the independence of our people, which has caused the admira- 
tion and astonishment of every nation of the world. The United 
States of America of to-day is no longer a settlement, but a 
country commanding the respect of every nation. 

Returning to the old historical landmark which has been the 
main and silent witness of the days of reconstruction, secession, 
conquest and reconquest, we find a massive edifice erected by the 
liberality of Don Almonaster y Roxas, a Spanish gentleman of 
noble birth, who immigrated to this country when Louisiana 
was under Spanish Rule. 

The Cabildo is of an ancient Spanish architectural style, and in 
appearance distinct from any modern buildings. It stands facing 
the Jackson Square, and is bounded by Chartres, Exchange 
Place, Orleans Alley and St. Peter street. The structure is of 
brick with stucco finish. Its facade is ornamented with deep, 
low arches supported by classic columns and broad arched win- 
dows. The upper floors are reached by a winding stairway of 
solid marble leading from the large iron front door up to a lobby, 
from which entrance is gained to every department in the building. 

The large hall to the right of the lobby is now, and has been for 
a number of years, used by the Supreme Court of Louisiana. It 
is there where the Chief Justice and his four Associate Justices sit 
in final judgment over the judicial proceedings originating from 
all the lower courts of the State. The hall is spacious and im- 
posing, while its massive walls are adorned with oil paintings of 
the great jurists of this State that once presided, but have sub- 
mitted to the inevitable conclusion of life. 

As you reach the head of the stairway you face the entrance 
which leads to the justices' private consulting room, to which no 
one is granted access, and where all decisions after due delibera- 
tions are reached and finally agreed upon. To the left of the 
lobby is the entrance to the Clerk's Office, and Record Room. 
In the upper floors are stored old records covered with the dust of 
a century. The lower floor at the corner of St. Peter street is the 
Second City Criminal Court, while the corner of Orleans Alley 
is a Police Station. 

At the left, upon the other side of the Cathedral, is another 
structure which was first designed as a Presbytery of the Church; 
this is an imitation of the Cabildo, it was built in 1813, during the 
American rule and is now called the Civil District Court Building. 
In general appearance it resembles the old Cabildo nearly twenty 

17 



years its senior, but in workmanship and construction is very 
much inferior. The French mansard roof and cupolas were added 
to both buildings in 1850. Upon the cornice of the Cabildo also 
appears the American Eagle, ornamented with cannon balls. 
When this alteration was made there is no record, but it was un- 
doubtedly effected during the period of American reconstruction, 
and intended to replace ornaments that were interposed at the 
time of the Spanish rule. 

We find by referring to the early history of this country, that 
the inception of the Spanish rule was in 1762. Carlos III, then 
King of Spain, despatched Gen. Don Alessandro O'Reilly with 
3600 picked Spanish troops, who took forcible possession of 
Louisiana then under the French rule. O'Reilly upon his arrival 
abolished the old French Superior Council and established instead 
the Spanish Cabildo. The French Council had been founded 
in 1712, by Louis XIV, for the government of his young colony; 
which had by this time grown independent and powerful, and by 
a desperate attempt at self-government had made a bold act in 
resenting the King's cession of Louisiana to his Spanish cousin, 
Ulloa, the first representative sent over by Spain. Ulloa was 
ignominously overpowered and returned back to Spain. The 
six leaders of this revolt against the Spanish dynasty, were, 
however, promptly executed by the orders of O'Reilly, 
who thus began his reign and ended the Superior Council, in 
bloodshed. 

It was then that O'Reilly, who had by this act incited the 
hatred of the people, established the Cabildo. It was presided 
over by the Spanish Governor of Louisiana, aided by his excribano, 
or clerk; four elective officers, two alcades ordinarios; a sindico 
procurado general; a majordomo de proprios; and six perpetual 
regidors. First among the regidors stood the Alferez Real or 
Royal Standard Bearer, which title was acquired by Don Almon- 
aster y Roxas, and which position he held during his lifetime. 

The Cabildo met every Friday, in the large hall now occupied 
by the Supreme Court. The Spanish language was exclusively 
used in all governmental affairs, and it is not uncommon when in 
search of old records, to find them written entirely in the Spanish 
language. 

The surroundings of the Cabildo differed somewhat from its 
present aspect. The Plaza de Armas was very much different 
from the Jackson Square of to-day, with its beds of flowers and 
verdant shrubberies. Up to fifty years ago, it was still known 
as the Place D'Armes, the original name given to it in 1718, when 
New Orleans was founded under the direction of Sieur Jean 
Baptiste Lemoyne de Bienville. Upon each side of the square 

18 



were two rows of one story brick buildings, put up by Don Al- 
monaster in the last century. These buildings were used as shops 
and retail stores. This was then the center of the fashionable 
quarter. However, in 1850, the Raronness de Pontalba, the only 
child and heiress of Don Almonaster, had these shops torn down 
and replaced them with the tall brick structures known as the 
Pontalba Buildings. The Place D'Armes was also modernized, 
and wide walks and flower beds substituted for the old elms which 
grew in abundance. Later came the erection of the statue of 
General Jackson, the hero of the battle of New Orleans in 1815, 
which caused the alteration of the name of Place D'Armes to 
Jackson Square, and which name it bears to-day. 

The Cabildo is certainly the most interesting landmark in all 
the history and development of New Orleans. It has witnessed 
the dim candle lighted town gradually succeeded by the street 
lamp, while the lamp lighted streets gave way to gas and electric- 
ity. It has withstood the decay of the first few factories which 
have been forgotten, and were superseded by the hundreds of 
great factories which exist to-day. The beautiful senoritas with 
their heads prettily dressed with mantillas, and with their short 
skirts, walking to balls, followed by slaves bearing their slippers, 
has made place for more Parisian elegance of dress and equipage. 
The almost nightly duels are things of the past, and also the roar 
of the evening cannon shot, that commanded the sailors, soldiers 
and black slaves to be indoors for the night. The old night 
watchman no longer sing out the hours of night and condition of 
the weather; "Ten o'clock and Cloudy," "Twelve o'clock and the 
weather Fair." All these customs have vanished, yet this silent 
witness has gazed down upon all of Louisiana's changes of rule. 

Upon the change of dynasty, when in 1803, the flag of the 
Spaniards was lowered and that of France replaced once more 
upon the Place D'Armes, this however, but for a short duration of 
twenty days, as the French colors were superseded by those of 
the American purchaser. Thence fifty eight years later when 
Louisiana swore allegiance to the flag of the Confederacy; and her 
agony came when amid the roar of cannon and at the point of 
bayonets the stars and stripes were once more hoisted. Again, 
it has witnessed the complete fraternal reconstruction of the North 
and South, when under the same colors they fought side by side 
to free the Island of Cuba from Spanish rule. Within the vast 
hall of the Cabildo, Louisiana was transferred by Spain to France, 
and subsequently by France to the United States. 

It was from the windows of this edifice that the French, and 
then the American rule was proclaimed to the assembled people. 
The Cabildo also witnessed the ceremonials accorded to Andrew 



Jackson in 1815, for his victory over the British, in the Place 
D'Armes, where he was crowned with laurels by pretty maidens. 
In 1826 it served as the residence of the Marquis de Lafayette, 
who was the guest of Louisiana during his tour of the United 
States of America. And he was granted a reception almost 
the equal of that of Gen. Jackson. France was a friendly nation 
and the sale of Louisiana to the United States for 80,000,000 
francs by Napoleon Bonaparte was not only a boon to the Ameri- 
can people, but served as a retaliatory measure of France towards 
England. We, who are living to-day, can now fully appreciate 
the value of the prophecy of Bonaparte which has proven true. 

He said, at the time of the transfer: 

"This accession of territory strengthens forever the power of 
"the United States; and I have just given to England a maritime 
"rival that will sooner or later humble her pride* ***** 
"The day may come when the cession of Louisiana to the United 
"States, shall render the Americans too powerful for the continent 
of Europe." 



20 




f Louisiana Showing the Five Justices 
istice ISicholls Justice Monroe 



Justice Provosty 



t 




Photo, by Hitchler & Beattie, N. 0. 



Justice Lamb 



interior View Supreme Court < 
Chief Justice Breaux 



GUBERNATORIAL STAFF OF LOUISIANA. 

GOVERNORS OF LOUISIANA UNDER FRENCH RULE. 



Marquis de Sauvolle 1619-1700. 

Jean Lemoyne de Bienville 1701-1712. 

Lamothe Cadillac 1713-1715. 

D L'Epinay 1716-1717. 

Jean Lemoyne de Bienvills 1718-1723. 

Boisbriant (Ad interim) 1724. 

Perier 1725-1731. 

Jean Lemoyne de Bienville 1732-1741. 

Marquis de Vautreuil 1742-1752. 

Baron de Kerlerec 1753-1762. 

D'Abadie 1 763-1 766. 



GOVERNORS UNDER SPANISH RULE. 



Antonio de Ulloa 1767-1768. 

Alexander O'Reilly 1768-1769. 

Luis de Unzaga 1770-1776. 

Bernardo de Galvez 1777-1784. 

Estevan Miro 1785-1789. 

Francisco Luis Horter, Baron de Carondelet . 1789-1792. 

( iayoso de Lemos 1793-1797. 

Sebastian y Cassa Calvo y O'Farrill 1798-1799. 

Juan Manuel y de Salcedo 1801-1803. 



GOVERNOR OF THE TERRITORY OF ORLEANS. 
W '). C. Claiborne 1S34-1812. 



21 



GOVERNORS OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA. 

W C. C. Claiborne , , , 1812-1816. 

Jacques Villere 1816-1820. 

Thomas Boling Robertson (Resigned).. ..... .1820-1822. 

'Henry S. Thibodeaux, President of the 

Senate, Acting Governor 1822-1824. 

Henry Johnson . 1824-1828. 

Pierre Derbigny (Died in Office) 1828-1829. 

A. Beauvais, President of the Senate, Acting 

Governor . 1829-1830. 

Jacques Dupre , . 1830-1831. 

Andre Bien venue Roman 1831-1835. 

Edward White , . 1835-1839. 

Andre Bien venue Roman 1839-1843. 

Alexander Mouton 1843-1846. 

Isaac Johnson 1846-1850. 

Joseph Walker . 1850-1853. 

Paul O. Hebert , 1853-1856. 

Robert Charles Wickliffe 1856-1860. 

Thomas Overton Moore 1860-1864. 

Gen. C. F. Shipley, Military Governor 1862-1864. 

Henry Watkins Allen, Under Confederate 

Government . 1864. 

Michael Hahn, Under Federal Government . 1864. 
James Madison Wells, President of the 

Senate, Acting Governor 1864-1866. 

James Madison Wells 1866-1867. 

Benjamin F. Flanders, Under Military 

Authority 1867-1868. 

Joshua Baker, Under Military Authority. . .1868. 

Henry Clay Warmoth . 1868-1873. 

John McEnery (Counted out by the Return- 
ing Board).' 1873. 

P. B. S. Pinchback, Lieutenant Governor, 

Acting Governor 1873. 

William Pitt Kellogg, Governor de Jure. . . .1873-1877. 

Francis T. Nicholls , 1877-1879. 

Louis Alfred Wiltz, (Died in Office) 1880-1881. 

Samuel Douglas McEnery, Lieutenant Gov- 

ernor. Succeeded him as Governor 1881-1884. 

Samuel Douglas McEnery 1884-1888. 

Francis T. Nicholls '. 1888-1892. 

Murphy J. Foster 1892-1900. 

W. W. Heard 1900-1904. 

Newton C. Blanchard 1904-1908. 

22 



LofC. 




Photo, by 




Photo, by .1. X Toxinisson, X. O 



View of Jackson Square, Cablldo. Saint Louis Cathedral, Civil District Courts, and Pantalbo Buildings 



LS JL '05 



FEB 24 1905 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 








014 645 001 5 4 







